New Teacher Blues...

[livelovelaugh]

I am a first year teacher (actually university intern), and after seeing my students second test scores I feel as if I am doing a horrible job. Only ten percent of my students passed the test (D or higher). I gave all my students a study guide (with all the concept that would be covered on the test), and a practice test. We went over both of those study tools the friday before the test and all of my students still failed the test. I practically gave them the answers to the test! Over 70% of the students are failing my class due to test scores and missing assignments. I allowed all my student to retake the first test after 80% of the students failed the test. After a reveiw day, a practice test, and a study guide about 70% still failed the test. I always believed that if most of the students fail the test then the teacher probably did not fullfill their duty, but where does my responsibility end and theirs begin? I feel as if I am doing everything I can to get these kids to pass these test and turn in their work, but it is hard to not blame myself for their failing scores.

I work at a school in a low income area plauged with gangs. I understand that their cultural background may have something to do with their grades, but I feel as if the problem may be me! Help... I don't want to be a bad teacher! FYI - I am a high school biology teacher.

[seastarmath]

I hear ya! How did the kids do who DID do their homework and put forth an effort? Those are the ones you need to look at when you reflect on the validity of the assessments you give. While we still do all we can to help those from environments not friendly to education (to say the least) we have to accept the fact that we are NOT gods or godesses. Like the prayer goes: Grant me the serenity to change the things I can, accept the things I cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Hang in there. We oldies have the same problem!

[BuBerry3]

I am a first year teacher as well. I think there comes a point where students have to take control over their education. From what I can tell you prepared them and they have to take advantage of that. Especially in high school! I remember teachers who would see that many student all missed one problem and would take out that question, thinking maybe it was not covered, etc. However, if you provide the students with the information and a study guide and review there is nothing really else you could do but take the test for them! I think a lot of times it comes down to motivation. I have definitely had some tests that were not what I expected them to be. Sometimes I let the students go back and find the answers in their text/ notes for a few extra points.

[merrynl]

I understand your situation... I had a similar group of kids. I literally did give them the answers to one test, and still had only 5% pass. The best thing you can do is talk to other teachers in your department. Find out how they motivate their students to do the work.

Kids from low income environments often do not value an education, so using things like grades and the thought of a college future aren't necessarily going to motivate them. Yes, you'll have some, but many don't care. Find out what they are interested in and what their future plans are. I had several kids tell me they didn't need school because they were going to go get their GED and then get a job. They talk about it like it's as simple as going shopping at Wal-Mart for it! I brought in some info (with the help of the guidance counselor) on getting a GED and talked to the kids about it. For some, it was a shock that they'd have to take a test on that same stuff they didn't want to learn in school!

[seastarmath]

I like that idea about bringing in information on passing a GED. Kids don't realize they have to WORK for those. They think it is just a bail out.

Speaking of bail out, I am reading about the pressure that will be put on schools to lower the drop out rate. I am concerned we will dummy down our expectations to meet this challenge as it seems Washington will want it done in a band-aid matter--that is right away--rather than a long time cure. The problem with unmotivated students is one created by the economy, the media, and social issues. Schools are the first choice to right those wrongs as we have contact with all the strands of society. But that doesn't mean we can fix the problems. Maybe Washington needs to be willing to upset some voters and say it like it really is.

[High_Five]

I see similar results. I'm also a first year teacher. I am currently doing as someone mentioned, and throwing questions out on each test in order to get a reasonable number of passing marks. I hope this is a temporary solution. And, I wonder the same q's. Such as, is it me, or them? Etc. I agree that by looking at the results of those students whom you know are doing their hw nightly, you can probably best gauge your success.

[merrynl]

For the kids who failed my tests, I always gave them the option of coming in before/after school and reworking similar questions and discussing the test. Once they've completed that, I gave them the lowest passing score possible. A D- wasn't great, but it was better than the low F they had to start with!

When a majority of the class failed the test, I would take time in class to rework the test. I think that if most of the kids didn't pass, it's important to spend time reteaching the stuff or the test was silly to start with. Shouldn't the tests be used to tell us what the kids learned? And if they didn't learn, that should be a sign we need to do more to learn the stuff. The kids would earn partial credit back for reworking the test. That part was to help their grades a bit... the time spent in class reworking the test was to help them learn what they should've in the first place.

[Boxcar]

I think everyone gets the blues from time to time. I know that my situation is a bit different being with the younger ones, but I still sometimes feel as though I did nothing except discipline. It can be hard when a great lesson fall flat, and you're talking to yourself...

Try to hang in there. You can't help everybody. Helping one sometimes just needs to be enough.

[gleasonb]

I think some students just need to learn what you are expecting of them when you test. Many students will take the first few tests to learn how you test and to essentially test you. If you give in and throw out questions or let them retake the tests they will come to expect this every time. Believe me I know. If you are giving them all of the information they need then just stand firm and eventually they will begin to study.

[Boxcar]

That is a really good point. The first test is going to have lower scores as the students learn how you test.

Also, remember you don't have to do something about the low scores right away. If the next tests are better, this one won't be as signifcant. You can always weight it differently for the final grade, offer an extra credit project, or do something else to help add some shine to the final grades. If the students are just truly getting used to you, this might be a better approach that back-tracking. It all just depends...

[kidcrazy]

I strongly believe in the power of review games and hands on learning. Anything that gets kids up and out of their seats can help retention. Just because a child is being quiet, doesn't mean they are completely with you. Make learning fun, move around the room as you teach. Most importantly, relax. If students think your worried, they might feel the same in return.:waving: